Addressing his first rally in the UP poll campaign, PM says only the Congress led by Sonia and Rahul can put state on path of progress. HT reports. Election buzz

Hitting the campaign trail ahead of the fourth phase of polls in Uttar Pradesh, PM Manmohan Singh on Friday attacked the Mayawati government over ‘misuse’ of Central funds and lack of development.

Addressing a rally at Motijheel ground in Kanpur, Singh held the 22 years of non-Congress rule responsible for the “pitiable state” of UP. The situation, he said, could be reversed only if the Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi-led Congress formed the government.

Singh targeted CM Mayawati over allegations of corruption against her government in the National Rural Health Mission, rural jobs guarantee programme MNREGA and other centrally sponsored schemes.

He said the Centre had increased the funding to the state by six times but the benefits had failed to reach the common man. “The state (government) didn’t cooperate whenever we tried to honestly help the state. I am sad to see how badly the money was used. I keep getting information of irregularities plaguing central funds. It is painful,” said Singh.

He added, "Electricity generation has gone down, sugar mills have been sold or closed, 32 mills supplying thread to weavers have closed, health care, education and roads are at their lowest ebb and, unemployment is at its peak in the state."

Urging people to vote for the Congress, Singh said, “We will work with greater strength for the development of UP if the Congress comes to power.” He lauded party general secretary Rahul Gandhi for establishing a direct connect with the masses during his tours. Singh praised Gandhi’s efforts in getting the Bundelkhand package sanctioned but said the money had not been utilised by the state government.

Singh, however, only barely hinted at the controversial issue of Muslim sub-quota.